Kathmandu— Significant progress has been made in road infrastructure development within Nepal’s Gorkha district during Fiscal Year 2025/26. The Infrastructure Development Office, Gorkha completed construction on six motorable bridges across various locations in the district last year, a marked increase from the three built in the previous fiscal year. This expansion of the road network aims to alleviate difficulties faced by residents crossing streams and rivers, particularly during the monsoon season, and facilitate easier transportation of goods and daily travel.

Increased Bridge Construction

The Infrastructure Development Office, Gorkha completed six motorable bridges in the last fiscal year, according to Chief Santosh Aryal. This represents a substantial increase from the three bridges finished during Fiscal Year 2024/25. Mohan Shrestha, an engineer with the office, indicated that four of the recently completed bridges each cost over Rs. 50 million to construct.

Key Bridge Locations

Among the newly constructed bridges are those spanning the Daraundi River at Naya Saghu, Ludi Khola connecting Gorkha Municipality and Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, Chukti Khola linking Lower Sera and Upper Sera in Palungtar Municipality-9, and Nauli Khola Motorable Bridge located in Dharche Rural Municipality-7. The Silikhola Bridge connects Salangiri in Gorkha Municipality-14 with Ratmate in Palungtar Municipality-8, while the Tadikhola Bridge links Katjale and Nayagaun. Two of these bridges – Silikhola and Tadikhola – were completed with budgets under Rs. 50 million.

Financial Performance

The Infrastructure Development Office reported an overall financial progress of 83.2 percent for the last fiscal year. Of the allocated budget of Rs. 1.65 billion, a total of Rs. 1.37 billion was spent. Capital expenditure accounted for Rs. 1.364 billion of that amount, representing 83.69 percent of the Rs. 1.630 billion capital allocation, with an additional Rs. 11.18 million spent on recurrent expenditures.

These new bridges are expected to ensure year-round access along rural roads, supporting agricultural transportation and improving daily life for residents in Gorkha district.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.